We are here because we are people of faith. Within each of us lives the conviction of a saving faith that could restore our broken planet and illuminate the lives of our sisters and brothers.

Ancient wisdom teaches that we who would save the world must first save ourselves. We who would restore the planet must learn to restore the broken structures of the institutions closest to hand; to illuminate the lives of our companions and friends.

To this end let us center ourselves, acknowledging the trouble of mind and vexation of spirit that accompany us even here.

Let us open ourselves to that creative mystery which is at work in our striving, whose servants we are and seek to be.